Homeowners Insurance
Midwest Sparkle: Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas Import the Highest Value of Fireworks Per Person (A Look at Imports, Exports and Injuries)
Fourth of July celebrations generally aren't complete without fireworks — and for some states and countries, that may mean big bucks in imports and exports. While fireworks don't come without risk, the latest ValuePenguin study indicates that fireworks-related injuries fell 35.0% from 2020 to 2022.
As we gear up for another Fourth of July, here are the states that import and export the most fireworks — and the demographics most likely to get injured by fireworks. In addition, learn more about how your home insurance treats fireworks-related damages and injuries.
On this page
- Key findings
- Which states import the highest value of fireworks per person?
- China provides the majority of U.S. fireworks imports
- Tennessee leads the states for fireworks exports
- Fireworks injuries have declined since 2020 — here's who's most likely to get hurt
- Fireworks safety: What to know
- Methodology
Key findings
- Missouri imports the highest value of fireworks per person. The state imported $125.8 million in fireworks in 2022, which translates to $20.40 per resident. Fellow Midwestern states Nebraska ($11.83) and Kansas ($10.70) were next. The states that imported the lowest value of fireworks per person were Massachusetts ($0.01), North Carolina ($0.03) and the District of Columbia ($0.06).
- China provides 97.4% of the fireworks imported to the U.S. In 2022, the U.S. imported $580.3 million in fireworks from China. The next closest countries were Spain ($8.4 million, or 1.4%) and Thailand ($1.9 million, or 0.3%).
- Tennessee exports the highest value of fireworks. Of the $8.0 million in fireworks that U.S. states exported to other countries in 2022, $3.2 million (or 39.5%) came from Tennessee. Next were Florida ($1.1 million, or 13.3%) and North Dakota ($1.0 million, or 12.6%).
- The number of people treated in emergency departments for fireworks injuries has plummeted since the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. 10,163 fireworks injuries were reported in 2022, down 35.0% from 2020’s 15,646 injuries (the highest in the past 10 years).
- Young Americans are most likely to get injured by fireworks. People ages 10 to 19 accounted for 23.3% of the fireworks injuries in the U.S. between 2013 and 2022, ahead of people ages 20 to 29 (22.6%) and 9 and younger (19.3%).
Which states import the highest value of fireworks per person?
In the land of the free, Missouri is the home of the fireworks. The Show-Me State imported $125.8 million in fireworks in 2022, and at $20.40, it imported the highest value of fireworks per person. Two other Midwestern states joined Missouri at the top — Nebraska ($11.83) and Kansas ($10.70).
According to ValuePenguin home insurance expert Divya Sangameshwar, the ease of setting off fireworks in these states may account for the demand among residents. Particularly, those three states have fewer restrictions on consumer fireworks sales.
"Midwestern states like Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas have large rural populations with wide-open spaces, which make it easier and safer for them to set off private fireworks displays," she says. "It's also relatively easy to get fireworks in Missouri. Anyone 14 and older can legally purchase them, and most consumer fireworks are sold freely."
States that import the highest value of fireworks per person
Rank | State | Imported value of fireworks | Total population | Value of imported fireworks per capita |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Missouri | $125,849,673 | 6,168,187 | $20.40 |
| 2 | Nebraska | $23,227,351 | 1,963,692 | $11.83 |
| 3 | Kansas | $31,398,085 | 2,934,582 | $10.70 |
| 4 | Alabama | $41,252,632 | 5,039,877 | $8.19 |
| 5 | North Dakota | $5,812,588 | 774,948 | $7.50 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of 2022 data from the U.S. Census Bureau USA Trade Online portal.
On the other end of the list, Massachusetts ($0.01) imported the lowest value of fireworks per person, followed by North Carolina ($0.03) and the District of Columbia ($0.06). Unlike the top-ranking states, these states restrict fireworks sales to non-aerial, non-explosive fireworks (such as sparklers and other novelty fireworks). Even more, Massachusetts has an outright ban on all consumer fireworks sales.
Full rankings
States that import the highest/lowest value of fireworks per person
Rank | State | Imported value of fireworks | Total population | Value of imported fireworks per capita |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Missouri | $125,849,673 | 6,168,187 | $20.40 |
| 2 | Nebraska | $23,227,351 | 1,963,692 | $11.83 |
| 3 | Kansas | $31,398,085 | 2,934,582 | $10.70 |
| 4 | Alabama | $41,252,632 | 5,039,877 | $8.19 |
| 5 | North Dakota | $5,812,588 | 774,948 | $7.50 |
| 6 | Wyoming | $3,705,533 | 578,803 | $6.40 |
| 7 | Indiana | $35,451,434 | 6,805,985 | $5.21 |
| 8 | South Carolina | $24,446,885 | 5,190,705 | $4.71 |
| 9 | Ohio | $50,797,487 | 11,780,017 | $4.31 |
| 10 | South Dakota | $3,741,840 | 895,376 | $4.18 |
| 11 | Montana | $3,745,301 | 1,104,271 | $3.39 |
| 12 | Nevada | $9,756,930 | 3,143,991 | $3.10 |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of 2022 data from the U.S. Census Bureau USA Trade Online portal. Note: No data was available for Delaware.
China provides the majority of U.S. fireworks imports
Where, exactly, do these states get their fireworks? Perhaps unsurprisingly, China is responsible for the majority (97.4%) of fireworks imports to the U.S. Specifically, the U.S. imported $580.3 million in fireworks from China in 2022.
Why is this unsurprising? According to NPR, fireworks were invented in China during the Tang Dynasty (which ruled between 618 and 906), and the country has a long history and tradition of fireworks manufacturing. In particular, Liuyang, a city in China's Hunan province, has a particularly high concentration of fireworks manufacturers, accounting for 60% of global fireworks sales, according to Chinese economic information service Xinhua Silk Road.
Countries that export the most fireworks to the U.S.
Rank | Country | Value of imported fireworks | % of U.S. imports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | $580,273,333 | 97.4% |
| 2 | Spain | $8,357,488 | 1.4% |
| 3 | Thailand | $1,937,969 | 0.3% |
| 4 | Hong Kong | $1,434,221 | 0.2% |
| 5 | Italy | $1,351,844 | 0.2% |
| 6 | Germany | $829,134 | 0.1% |
| 7 | Portugal | $727,391 | 0.1% |
| 8 | Japan | $347,292 | 0.1% |
| 9 | Mexico | $234,442 | 0.0% |
| 10 | United Kingdom | $130,374 | 0.0% |
| 11 | Canada | $73,590 | 0.0% |
| 12 | India | $69,500 | 0.0% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of 2022 data from the U.S. Census Bureau USA Trade Online portal.
Following China, the U.S. imported $8.4 million in fireworks from Spain, making up 1.4% of total U.S. fireworks imports. Thailand followed at $1.9 million, or 0.3%.
Tennessee leads the states for fireworks exports
Although the U.S. imports large quantities of fireworks, it also exports fireworks. By state, Tennessee exports the highest value of fireworks. In 2022, this Southern state exported $3.2 million in fireworks to other countries, making up 39.5% of the $8.0 million in fireworks exported abroad.
States that export the most fireworks from the U.S.
Rank | State | Value of exported fireworks | % of U.S. exports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tennessee | $3,163,370 | 39.5% |
| 2 | Florida | $1,065,048 | 13.3% |
| 3 | North Dakota | $1,011,288 | 12.6% |
| 4 | New Jersey | $565,299 | 7.1% |
| 5 | California | $405,797 | 5.1% |
| 6 | Maryland | $341,145 | 4.3% |
| 7 | Alabama | $340,531 | 4.3% |
| 8 | Montana | $295,120 | 3.7% |
| 9 | New York | $218,677 | 2.7% |
| 10 | Texas | $180,787 | 2.3% |
| 11 | Ohio | $74,447 | 0.9% |
| 12 | Indiana | $64,916 | 0.8% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of 2022 data from the U.S. Census Bureau USA Trade Online portal.
Following that, Florida exports the second-highest value of fireworks, at $1.1 million (13.3% of total U.S. exports). Not far behind is North Dakota, representing $1.0 million in fireworks exports (12.6%).
Another $53,680 (0.7%) of fireworks exports comes from an unknown source.
Why doesn't the U.S. rely on its own fireworks production rather than importing the majority of its fireworks? The U.S. has strict regulations and licensing requirements for fireworks manufacturing and sales, which can make domestic production more challenging.
Fireworks injuries have declined since 2020 — here's who's most likely to get hurt
While the U.S. loves fireworks (particularly during the summer), they certainly come with risks — though it seems that fireworks safety is improving around the country. In fact, 10,163 people were treated in emergency departments for fireworks injuries in 2022. That's down 35.0% from 2020, when there were 15,646 injuries (the highest in the past 10 years).
What could account for the drop? According to Sangameshwar, understanding why injuries peaked in 2020 might help.
"The 2020 spike in fireworks injuries can be attributed to lockdown stir-craziness," she says. "Most Fourth of July celebrations and public fireworks displays nationwide were canceled in 2020 due to social distancing mandates related to COVID-19. As a result, Americans bought pyrotechnics in record numbers and celebrated July Fourth with their own backyard fireworks to entertain themselves and their families — with many injuring themselves from not knowing how to use them safely. As Fourth of July parties and public displays have resumed, fireworks injuries have fallen."
Unsurprisingly, 58.5% of fireworks injuries in 2022 happened around the July Fourth holiday — from July 2 through 6.
ER visits for fireworks injuries by year
Year | Number of injuries | % decrease |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 11,361 | N/A |
| 2014 | 10,512 | -7.5% |
| 2015 | 12,011 | 14.3% |
| 2016 | 11,133 | -7.3% |
| 2017 | 12,884 | 15.7% |
| 2018 | 9,081 | -29.5% |
| 2019 | 9,992 | 10.0% |
| 2020 | 15,646 | 56.6% |
| 2021 | 11,487 | -26.6% |
| 2022 | 10,163 | -11.5% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS).
When it comes to who's getting hurt from fireworks, young Americans were most likely to report injuries. Between 2013 and 2022, those ages 10 to 19 accounted for 23.3% of the fireworks injuries in the U.S. That's followed by people ages 20 to 29 (22.6%) and 9 and younger (19.3%).
Why are children and teens the most likely to get hurt? It may boil down to safety concerns. A 2021 ValuePenguin survey found that 82% of parents think it's OK to let their children play with fireworks or sparklers. In addition, Sangameshwar says the type of fireworks children play with may also play a role.
"Sparklers are among the types of fireworks that cause the most injuries, which many parents mistakenly consider to be safe," she says. "They aren't. They burn at extremely high temperatures of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit and get hot enough to melt metal, which can cause very serious burns."
Fireworks injuries by age group
Age | Injuries | % of total injuries |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 9 years | 21,708 | 19.3% |
| 10 to 19 years | 26,248 | 23.3% |
| 20 to 29 years | 25,437 | 22.6% |
| 30 to 39 years | 18,529 | 16.4% |
| 40 to 49 years | 11,399 | 10.1% |
| 50 to 59 years | 7,069 | 6.3% |
| 60 to 69 years | 2,291 | 2.0% |
Source: ValuePenguin analysis of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS). Note: Covers 2013 through 2022.
Further, men are more than twice as likely to be injured in fireworks accidents as women. Over the past 10 years, 76,748 men have been injured by fireworks, compared with 37,522 women.
Which injuries are most common — and where are consumers injured most?
Burns are the top injuries reported, accounting for 46.3% of injuries associated with fireworks. That's followed by:
- Contusions and abrasions (11.9%)
- Other, unspecified injuries (10.6%)
- Lacerations (10.3%)
- Fractures (6.1%)
- Foreign objects in the body (3.3%)
- Amputations (3.0%)
- Internal organ injuries (2.9%)
- Strains or sprains (2.3%)
People are most likely to experience fireworks injuries to the upper extremities, like the arm or hand (40.3%). However, 33.4% experience injuries to the head and neck.
There is some good news, though: Fireworks injuries typically don't require hospitalization. Just 14.9% of people taken to the emergency department with fireworks injuries between 2013 and 2022 were hospitalized.
Fireworks safety: What to know
As Americans gear up for this year's Fourth of July celebrations, it's worth remembering that homeowners insurance and renters insurance covers damage from fireworks — although practicing proper safety measures can help prevent fireworks damage altogether. Specifically, Sangameshwar recommends the following:
- Always use fireworks outdoors and have a bucket of water, a garden hose connected to a tap or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of fires. "Extinguishing it quickly is your best bet at preventing an accident," she says. "You should also soak both spent and faulty fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding them. Make sure you top off the water in the bucket with cold water and use a strong heat-resistant bucket — spent fireworks can make the water very hot or melt cheap plastic buckets, creating a potentially hazardous situation."
- Designate a safety perimeter. "If you have ground-based fireworks like a fountain, spectating from at least 35 feet away is best," she says. "For aerial fireworks, you'll want everyone to move back around 150 feet. It's also important to keep the fireworks about 150-plus feet away from your home or vehicle for safety. If you don't have enough space, consider nixing the backyard fireworks party."
-
Light one firework at a time. Lighting multiple fireworks at the same time increases the risk of accidents occurring from the fuse burning faster than designed.
- Don't approach, pick up, shake or relight a failed firework. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before you handle them — and add them directly to a bucket of water. This'll prevent injury from a delayed explosion and disarm the firework permanently so you can safely dispose of it.
- Don't place any part of your body directly over a firework or hold a firework in your hand when lighting it. To safely light fireworks, make sure they're secured on the ground away from people and animals, and also use a stem lighter, like a grill lighter.
Methodology
To estimate fireworks imports and exports, ValuePenguin researchers analyzed 2022 data from the U.S. Census Bureau USA Trade Online portal.
Specifically, researchers compared the imported value of fireworks to the U.S. population in 2021. Analysts ranked states from highest to lowest based on a per-capita value of imported fireworks. In addition, researchers looked at which countries provided the fireworks imported to the U.S. and which states exported the highest value of fireworks to other countries.
Separately, researchers analyzed data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) to estimate the number of people treated in emergency departments for fireworks injuries between 2013 and 2022.